As co-moderator of this math forum, here is a shameless plug for a summer program I operate...

Now algebra = FUN for elementary students in grades 3-6!Â Â

SAI: the Summer Algebra Institute for Kids is:
â€¢ a week-long, half-day math enrichment program...
â€¢ that uses music, games, and hands-on materials and activities...
â€¢ to turn kids on to math by using algebra...
â€¢ to connect with arithmetic facts and concepts...
â€¢ while also providing an enduring grasp of foundational algebra ideas such as variables, powers, and factoring.Â

Third graders learning algebra? Third graders?? Algebra???

Yes! Algebra is the big picture for which arithmetic is all the countless details! Too many kids start sinking beneath the weight of all the details of arithmetic - while never getting to see the big picture that algebra provides. Kids who attend SAI aren't afraid of "x-squared" and "x's" and get a confidence-boosting preview of basic algebra concepts from a typical Algebra 1 course.

Since 1995, some 2,000 students from ten states have attended SAI in the St.Paul/Minneapolis and in Rochester (MN) in 2005. Like a rising tide that lifts all boats, SAI is for both average and talented students, with separate classes for boys and girls. Check the SAI webpage at www.AlgebraForKids.com for more information and an FAQ link.Â